Michael Hingson was on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001, when the first tower was struck by a hijacked plane. Michael is totally blind and the account of how he and his partner, Roselle, escaped the burning building is amazing.
The saddest thing he recalls was conversations with firemen that were on their way “up” to save others.
He knew they never made it out that day. He appeared on Larry King Live to recount his ordeal and has since written a book. Hearing his story has forever changed my perspective on business, live and learning! Here are just two things his life teaches us.
- Develop all the abilities you have been blessed with to the fullest extent, instead of cursing the ones that seemed to pass you by. No one except a blind person knows what it is like to live in that state day after day. Yet Michael was the District Sales Manager for a computer company on that fateful day. He had created success on his rise to the top of his profession in spite of what we perceive as obstacles. No lack of sight or any other hindrance was going to hold him back. What is holding you back?
He taught me that there will always be someone more talented, with more opportunity, money and skill than what I seem to have. However, no one can be a better you and that is the key to your success. Be that person!
- Everything that happened before that day prepared him for everything that happened thereafter! He quickly began to receive invitations to write and speak publicly about his story. He became a spokesperson for those with limited or no sight which necessitated the formation his own brand/company. He needed all the business training he had received in order to help as many people as possible. He knew that taking advantage of every opportunity to grow personally and professionally as they come along would prepare him for a more exciting and rewarding future. The rest of your life can be the best of your life as well. So get ready for it!
Michael Hingson may be blind, but he can see better than most of us. That is Blind Insight!
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